These two atlases are both intended as an introduction to geography for young children. Each book has its strengths; ideally they should both be bought and used to complement each another. If your library budget is so small, The Children’s Activity Atlas at only £4.50 in paperback is the better buy. This volume features an excellent three‐page index and provides a clear and concise introduction to maps and map‐making. It is aimed at Key Stages 1 and 2 of the UK National Curriculum. Each double‐page spread features a questions box with around ten questions designed to encourage map‐reading skills and to enhance understanding of the maps displayed. The skills taught include: using a scale bar; interpreting symbols; reading latitude and longitude lines; and finding compass directions. I found the word “activity” in the title a little misleading as it implies using craft skills to develop understanding.
The Children’s First Atlas is suitable for younger readers and aims to teach geographical concepts, such as climate, countries, coastlines and deserts, rather than interpretation of conventional maps. In this sense its purpose is quite different from that of The Children’s Activity Atlas. The chapters feature amusing cartoon illustrations supported by brief paragraphs explaining key concepts such as “What is climate?”, “What is a country?”, or “How are mountains made?” This volume features maps using the Peters projection rather than the much more commonly used (but less accurate) Mercator projection to show the layout of the world’s land masses.
To see the world presented in this unfamiliar perspective is one of this book’s greatest strengths. However, the glossary and index are very brief and cursory, and I feel the knowledge‐based approach of The Children’s Activity Atlas to be more demanding and satisfying for all but the youngest readers.
Both books are worthy of purchase. If bought together, each complements the other. Children should read the hardback Children’s First Atlas to gain a grounding in the subject of geography, then The Children’s Activity Atlas to hone their map‐reading skills. In the current climate of tight budgets and ever reducing bookfunds, if only one of the books can be bought, The Children’s Activity Atlas represents the better value.
